Pitman, N.J. — August 12 — Pitman residents gathered to Trenton on Wednesday to see the Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Performance Award being given to the borough's Public Works Department and Pitman Fire Company No. 1.

Workplaces that exhibit a strong commitment to enhancing employee safety and health programs are recognized with this award. According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Performance Award honors companies that have implemented safety-management systems backed by low injury and illness rates and utilized the department's OSHA On-Site Consultation or Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health consultation programs.

The recognition emphasizes how crucial it is for the fire department to uphold safe operating procedures for its personnel as they get training, handle crises, and navigate the risks connected to the fireground.

For the fire company, the recognition highlights the importance of maintaining safe operating practices for its members while they train, respond to emergencies and work around the hazards associated with the fireground.

The award program is sponsored through a partnership involving the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, OSHA and the New Jersey State Industrial Safety Committee. The program dates to 1927 and has recognized thousands of New Jersey workplaces for their safety efforts.

Pitman Fire Company members attended the ceremony in Trenton alongside representatives of the Public Works Department. The company congratulated both organizations for their commitment to keeping employees and volunteers safe.

The recognition is particularly relevant to the fire service, where occupational safety extends beyond emergency operations to training, apparatus operations, PPE practices, facility safety and injury prevention.